The Aedes aegypti mosquito breeds preferentially in which type of water source, and what is the KEY behavioural characteristic that makes it difficult to control with standard larvicidal measures?

• A Large stagnant ponds; breeds in large open water bodies
• B Clean, stored, small domestic water containers; peridomestic breeding in indoor and outdoor artificial containers ✓
• C Polluted and organically rich water; sewage drains and cesspools
• D Brackish water near coastal areas; saltwater mangroves

Explanation

Aedes aegypti breeds exclusively in clean, stored water in small domestic containers — flower pots, tyres, water tanks, discarded containers. Its peridomestic, indoor-outdoor breeding behaviour means it is close to human habitation, and its preference for small containers makes larval source reduction (LSR) by community participation essential. It does not breed in large ponds or polluted water, unlike Culex. Its container-breeding also means aerial spraying is less effective.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.